CEDAR RAPIDS  High fives and congratulations showered Warren Lock after another close match en route to his third Iowa Open tennis title.

Lock, a Tiffin native, was able to rebound to defeat Steven Yellin, of Fairfield, 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 (10-8) on Sunday in the Mens' 55 and over Championship match of the Iowa Open at Veteran's Memorial Tennis Center. The competitiveness of the match was something expected by Lock.

"It was about as close as it's going to get," Lock said. "And [Yellin is] really good. We always have really close matches. It's been close every time I've played him."

Lock also won the Mens' 55 and over title in 2011 and 2012 and had his sights set on a third in 2013. He knew another title would likely mean another match with Yellin.

Within the last three years, Lock and Yellin have played six times, with Lock earning victories in five of the matches. Lock said matches could go either way on any day because of the contrasting skill sets of each player.

"He likes to come into the net and really attack me," Lock said of Yellin's style. "I like to stay back and rally so it's a matter of who can play their game the best on that day. It really comes down to that and it's just a matter of points here or there and just who's playing better. He could run off a whole bunch of victories against me here soon."

Growing up in Australia and playing tennis as a child, Lock has always had a love for the game. He has lived in the Cedar Rapids area for 30 years, and began playing tennis competitively again three years ago.

Now in his early sixties, Lock is not sure how much longer he will be playing tennis competitively, but will continue to do so as long as he is healthy. One thing he knows for sure is his rivalry with Yellin will be waiting whenever he steps on the court.